Considered by many to be the “Sistine Chaple of Sicily,” the Chiesa di San Domenico in Castelvetrano in western Sicily is an unspoiled spectacle. Originally built in the 1470s, artist Antonio Ferraro da Giuliana and his sons spent three years from 1577-1580 creating the stucco scene above the altar titled “Albero di Jesse,” or the…
Tag: chiesa
Modica, Sicily And Saint Peter And Saint Paul
Today is the feast day of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Peter, of course, is the protector of Rome (and popes too). But importantly (For my family especially, since my father is named Peter and I come from a long line of fishermen), he is the patron saint of net-makers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and…
Beautiful Bougainvillea In Baroque Modica
Bougainvillea draping the stairs leading to the Duomo di San Giorgio, Modica, Sicily
Celebrate Alongside The Locals In Sicily
At the beginning of the Corso Umberto I, otherwise known as La Strada Lunga (the Long Street), sits La Chiesa di Santa Margherita, Licodia Eubea’s mother church. Come on! Eat gelato with the locals during Life In A Remote Sicilian Town, July 16 to 25, when the citizens of Licodia Eubea celebrate their patroness Santa…
Finding Solice In Ragusa Ibla
The Chiesa di San Giuseppe in Ragusa Ibla doesn’t have the notariety of the Duomo di San Giorgio that is just a few hundred feet away; however it offers those who wander in, a quiet sanctuary to reflect (Like the Benedictine cloistered nuns did, who called this their home for centuries.). During May’s Myths and…
The Complex Cathedral Of Messina, Sicily
The Cathedral of Messina and its renowned astronomical clock/bell tower are the highlight of a visit to this historic city in Sicily’s northeast corner. Having been subject to centuries of conquests, earthquakes, battles, and rebuilding, it’s history is complex. What we see today is the result of post World War II reconstruction. The fascinating clock…
Cry For Me Siracusa
Live from Sicily! We had a glorious weather in Siracusa today. Our clients were full of questions about ancient history as well as modern. One of the more fascinating modern stories about Siracusa is this church, or should I say, this upside down ice cream cone, pictured from this morning! It is the Santuario della…
Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi in Palermo
Built between 1255 and 1277, the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi has survived earthquakes and Allied bombings. Its facade, designed in 1302, sports a zigzag, Gothic design.
Palermo’s Santa Caterina’s Dizzying Baroque
The dizzying rococo baroque decorations of the Church of Santa Caterina, built between 1580 and 1596 on Palermo’s Piazza Bellini, feature multicolored marble inlay. The altar, pictured, is lit by the sun through a window at midday.
A Diamond In The Mishmash of Palermo’s Cathedral
When you visit Palermo’s Cathedral, be sure to go around to the north side of it, pictured. To me, the back side posesses the most beautiful architectural elements of the mishmash of styles that make up this temple dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. The inlaid lava stone designs (AKA intarsias) are from the…